Recent articles

Computational thinking: Extend problem-solving beyond computer science
09/03/2020
Topics: Computational Thinking, computer science
Computational thinking (CT) has been elevated as a critical new literacy thanks to its ties to computer science. Through the CT process, we can create algorithms that harness the power of computing to scale…

Equity literacy for STEM educators
02/19/2020
Topics: Computational Thinking, digital equity
In the context of STEM education, it is not enough for schools to identify the content and skills needed for K-12 students to become STEM ready. School leaders, STEM educators and educational stakeholders must…

Lessons to Keep Hour of Code Going Year-Round
10/30/2020
Topics: Computational Thinking, computer science
Each December, schools around the world celebrate Hour of Code. Launched by Code.org in 2013, the…

CT Competencies: Embrace integration across the curriculum
06/17/2019
Topics: Computational Thinking, Computational Thinking Competencies, ISTE Standards
When embarking on your school or district’s computer science (CS) journey, computational thinking (CT) should be taught first, primarily because CT helps learners understand the logic and algorithmic…

Using research-based strategies to help students master computational thinking
06/12/2019
Topics: Computational Thinking, ISTE Standards for Computer Science Educators, Learning sciences
When learning new knowledge, it is critical for students to connect new concepts with previous learning and experiences and then be able to transfer it in multiple and creative ways. It is, therefore, essential…

No Device Needed To Teach Kids To Code
01/29/2019
Topics: Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking
Leka DeGroot can relate to teachers who would like to bring coding to their classrooms but just can’t fathom fitting it in.
“Teachers often tell me, ‘It sounds great but I don’t have time, or I don’t have the skills,’ but you don’t have to be a computer scientist to teach coding,”…

New era, new language: Students solve problems with coding
10/03/2017
Topics: Computational Thinking, computer science
Teach a student to use computer and you prepare her to function in a digital world. Teach her to program one and you prepare her to solve the world’s problems.
It’s becoming increasingly clear that understanding the language of computers is a skill all adults will need to thrive in…

Educators Should Make Computer Science a Reality for Girls
02/18/2021
Topics: Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking, STEM & STEAM
Not long ago, I was a high school student sitting in a classroom wondering how taking a particular class would help me in life.
Luckily, most of the courses I was taking actually complemented what I planned to study in college – computer science.
Even as a child, I was intrigued…

Make Hour of Code a lifelong passion with these free resources
11/26/2019
Topics: Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking
Since 2013, more than 650 million students worldwide have participated in the Hour of Code, an international event designed to inspire students …

10 easy steps to start coding with Google CS First
11/29/2018
Topics: Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking, Robotics
In Greenfield Union School District where I teach fifth grade, I’m known as a bit of a technology enthusiast. This means I’m always excited about new ways to integrate tech in the classroom…